If your kids are anything like mine, they are counting down the days until the winter break begins. They can’t wait to be out of school. That is until about the third or fourth day of vacation. Then you begin to hear things like, “I’m bored” or “There is nothing to do.” As a mother, I have learned that for the winter break, having educational activities that are fun can be a great way to cure the boredom and keep them learning.
In the Kitchen
What kids don’t like cookies, cakes, candies or treats? I know mine do and they are always asking to help make them. So, during the winter break, we usually pick out a recipe each day and, while I supervise, they make their treats. These can be anything from pancakes or waffles from scratch for breakfast to cookies or brownies in the afternoon. While they are having fun and definitely enjoying the end result, they are also learning. Learning how to measure out ingredients and follow directions. As the kids get older, you can challenge them by having them double the recipes. This teaches them how to adjust the amount of ingredients needed.
Pick and Choose
My kids have always liked to learn, so I have never had a problem getting them to read. However, whenever they come and tell me they are bored during break, I always tell them to go and learn something new. Whether it is with a computer and the internet or the various encyclopedias we have, they will go and find a topic they want to learn more about. They will then come and tell me about it or, now that they are older, they like to write out reports. Given that their mother is a writer, they like to think they are writers too. This is a great way for them to expand their knowledge and learn but incorporates things they enjoy.
Crafts
Craft projects are always goof to keep kids entertained. However, even basic coloring can have its educational opportunities. My kids, even at 10 and 11, love to color coloring book pages. But, instead of just plain coloring book sheets, I look online for the ones that have math problems for them to solve and then color by number. This allows them to color but keeps their mind working too.
Puzzles
My family has always had a tradition every holiday to give a puzzle. After we open the family puzzle on Christmas, we set up a table and all work together on it. After the puzzle is done we glue the back and use them as table mats or wall hangings. Putting puzzles together is a great family activity and teaches problem solving.
Video Games
With the technology age taking over, kids always want to play video games. While many parents try to keep their kids off of the computer, I think there are many games out there that offer a wide variety of educational opportunities while still providing fun. One game that my family has played for years (started with my older son who is now 19 and my younger kids play it now) is The Oregon Trail. This game puts the kids in the role of those that traveled the Oregon Trail. They have to figure out when they should travel (to avoid weather), how much food and medicine they might need and various other things. This allows them to play a game but also teaches them at the same time.